Baby Steps: Children’s Post-Pandemic World

The notion of “post-pandemic” life is underway, and parents are gearing up and partaking in summertime activities for their children. With children as young as 12 years old receiving the vaccine and clinical trials ongoing for ages five to 11, kids are stepping back into social settings, and parents are to proceed cautiously.

Pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. William Lacey of Boston Children’s Hospital suggests parents always consider the medical advice and science presented while also keeping their children’s best interest in mind when easing them back into the new normal.

“Parents have to take into consideration their children’s anxiety and their experience during the past year. No one knows their children better than they do, so I suggest taking baby steps when deciding to go into social settings again,” said Dr. Lacey. “Maybe take your kids out once a week and build from there while also considering the science and medical advice. We are obviously talking about consulting with health professionals and not random YouTube videos. Do what is best for your children, but safely. Even if you are fully vaccinated, wearing a mask and social distancing when you can is still permissible.”

Children with learning disabilities such as autism suffered as well with the inability to adjust to online learning and the interruption of their routines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention amended the mask mandate for those individuals who are fully vaccinated last May. Masks are not required in public spaces except for hospitals, public transit, and other spaces that require them.

Last year children only accounted for 3 percent of the COVID-19 cases. According to NPR, that number has now increased to 22.4 percent, which is more than a fifth of all new cases in the United States. Although the number of overall cases has declined, the increase in child cases is being attributed to several factors including a new strain and the loosening of restrictions in schools and businesses.

“We know that a lot of decisions surrounding the pandemic have been made in the name of capitalism, unfortunately,” stated Dr. Lacey. “We also know that every child’s experience with the pandemic and learning has varied. Lack of resources also played a role in that when considering the different environments many of the kids had to work in. There was no one around in many cases to assist them in engaging. Obviously, systemic racism and white supremacy have impacted Black and brown kids, who have suffered the most during the pandemic. Not only from a lack of resources but they were disproportionally affected by the virus as well.”

Virtual learning took a toll on children’s social lives and their ability to retain information. Children with learning disabilities such as autism suffered as well with the inability to adjust to online learning and the interruption of their routines.

“One of the concerns has been about kids falling behind,” stated Dr. Lacey. “Then you factor in children with disabilities. When we talk about children with disabilities, there is a wide range to consider. One of the things we must remember is time spent away from learning their curriculum means the possibility of falling behind. The longer you stay behind, the harder it is to catch up.”

There is no way that we all have not walked away from this with some form of trauma.

Dr. William Lacey, Boston Children’s Hospital

A long list of special programs was discontinued for all students forcing them to adapt to an environment without the usual physical presence and engagement. After-school tutorials were canceled along with extracurricular activities, college tours, and in-person therapies for children with autism. The idea of continuing to isolate children whose stability thrives on interaction is damaging to say the least. Many parents have grappled with the idea of exposing their children to the potential risk of catching the virus. With studies in motion regarding the new strains developing and long-term effects for children, there is no clear information for parents to rely on. 

Many students are set to attend summer school with the mandated mask requirements off the table for Texas and many other states. Other children are attending camp and taking trips with their families. Parents who are choosing to get their children vaccinated have some glimmer of hope. Those with toddlers, on the other hand, must remain a bit more cautious.

“There is no way that we all have not walked away from this with some form of trauma,” said Dr. Lacey. “Considering the number of deaths we all experienced and much of it from just seeing the increase of those that were infected every day and did not survive. My hope is to return to some form of normalcy with children not increasingly becoming infected. We just have to wait and see what happens.”

After over a year of wearing masks, isolation, stress-inducing environments, and grief, Dr. Lacey also encourages parents to talk to their children before their reentry into social settings. Of course, do not forget to keep up with the sciences and the sound medical advice that is ever changing.

Melissa Menny is an author with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. She is a poet and a writer in all aspects. When she is not working, she enjoys painting, music, and spending time with her husband and son.